Wireless Full Bin Alarm
Installation and Operating Manual
The Wireless Full Bin Alarm is designed
to provide the ultimate in convenience
and safety to perform tasks remotely.
It is a radio frequency (RF) sensing
device that helps prevent overfilling of
grain bins by activating an alarm when
the grain Sensor Probe is activated.
The Sensor Probe, which operates at
915.8 MHz FM, transmits securely encoded information to the Receiver, which
then decodes the information and alerts the user that the bin is full. The Sensor
Probe and Receiver are designed to operate within 300' but actual range is
dependent on operating environment.
Table of Contents
Specifications................................................................................................................................................ 1
FCC ................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Industry Canada ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Overview....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Mechanical Installation ................................................................................................................................ 4
Receiver Console ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Sensor Probe............................................................................................................................................. 4
General Operation........................................................................................................................................ 5
Receiver Console ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Sensor Probe............................................................................................................................................. 7
Sensor Self-Test ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Sensor Angle Setup .................................................................................................................................. 8
Limited Warranty ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Table of Figures
Figure 1 Full Bin Alarm ................................................................................................................................ 3
Figure 2 U-Bolt Instructions ........................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 3 Learn/Erase Function .................................................................................................................... 7
Kramble Industries Inc. is not responsible or liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection
with the use or performance of the product or other damage with respect to any economic loss, loss of property, loss of revenue
or profit, or costs of removal, installation, or reinstallation.
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Wireless Full Bin Alarm
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Specifications
Sensor:
Power:
Frequency:
Modulation:
Indicators:
Case Size:
Range:
Antenna:
Security Code:
Environment:
AA battery x 2
915.8 MHz
FM (Frequency Modulation)
Internal System/Battery Test
3” dia x 13” long
300’ + (depending on environment)
3.15” Flexible Tuned, External
Preprogrammed Unique Identifier
Weatherproof
Receiver:
Power in:
Standby Current:
Alarm Current
Case Size:
Power Input:
Indicators:
Antenna:
12 VDC
40mA
200mA
8” x 4.8” x 2.5”
15’ 16ga 2 conductor wire with plug and lock connectors
Power On Red LED
Transmitter Low Battery Level Green LED
Alarm LED Indicator
95db Audible Siren
3.15” Flexible Tuned, Internal
Kramble Industries Inc. is not responsible or liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection
with the use or performance of the product or other damage with respect to any economic loss, loss of property, loss of revenue
or profit, or costs of removal, installation, or reinstallation.
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Wireless Full Bin Alarm
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FCC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
OFF and ON, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:




Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Industry Canada
This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne
doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le
fonctionnement.
Kramble Industries Inc.
102-2750 Faithfull Ave.
Saskatoon, SK S7K 6M6
306-933-2655
alan@kramble.net
www.kramble.net
Kramble Industries Inc. is not responsible or liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection
with the use or performance of the product or other damage with respect to any economic loss, loss of property, loss of revenue
or profit, or costs of removal, installation, or reinstallation.
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Wireless Full Bin Alarm
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Overview
The Full Bin Alarm is an auger-mounted monitoring system that indicates when the grain level
in the bin is reaching its maximum. The system consists of a Receiver Console with audible and
visible alarms, a Sensor Probe that hangs into the grain bin suspended from the spout of an
auger, and an antenna that connects to the sensor probe and is mounted at the top of the
auger. The battery-powered Sensor Probe is fully sealed and communicates wirelessly via radio
frequency (RF) to the Receiver Console. When the grain level becomes high enough that the
grain comes in contact with the Sensor Probe tilting it beyond 30° for 3 seconds, the sensor will
send an RF signal that tells the receiver to activate the alarm.
Figure 1 Full Bin Alarm
Kramble Industries Inc. is not responsible or liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection
with the use or performance of the product or other damage with respect to any economic loss, loss of property, loss of revenue
or profit, or costs of removal, installation, or reinstallation.
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Wireless Full Bin Alarm
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Mechanical Installation
Receiver Console
The Full Bin Alarm Receiver Console attaches easily to any metal surface using a pair of magnets
located on the console back.
Sensor Probe
The transmitter mounting kit contains a 12” chain, a U-bolt, two strap plates, four hex nuts,
four flat washers, and two quick link connectors. Drill two ¼” holes 1-3/8” apart in the spout
and attach the U-bolt as shown in the following figure. Use a quick link to attach the chain to
the U-bolt and the second quick link to attach the chain to the Sensor Probe. The U-bolt may be
mounted on the inside of the spout if space is limited.
Figure 2 U-Bolt Instructions
Antenna Mounting
The sensor probe connects to an external antenna to be mounted at the top of the auger outside of the
bin. Included are two options for mounting the antenna: a #10 self-drilling screw for attaching the
antenna bracket directly to the auger or a magnet on the antenna bracket. Mount the antenna bracket
in the best position possible such that the antenna has a direct line of sight to the receiver. Do not point
the antenna at the receiver – reception will be better when the antenna’s side faces the receiver.
Kramble Industries Inc. is not responsible or liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection
with the use or performance of the product or other damage with respect to any economic loss, loss of property, loss of revenue
or profit, or costs of removal, installation, or reinstallation.
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Wireless Full Bin Alarm
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General Operation
Receiver Console
The Receiver Console is powered by 12 volts DC and is equipped with a Power On/Off button
and a Cancel Alarm (CAN) button on the front of the case. When the Power On/Off button is
pressed, the red LED will light indicating normal operation. Press the Power On/Off button
again to turn power off.
95dB Alarm
Buzzer
Receive/Learn (yellow)
– Data receiving from
transmitter/system in
learn mode
FBA Cancel Push
to silence alarm
Learn Control –
hold during
power-up to
match to a
transmitter
+12V Power
Connector
Alarm LED Indicator
On/Off Button & Power
On Indicator (red)
Probe Low Battery Indicator
(green) – Probe battery
needs replacing
The yellow LED indicates that the Console is receiving a valid RF transmission directed to the Bin
Alarm. In normal operation, when the Sensor Probe is tilted more than its threshold angle (set at
manufacture to 30°) from vertical it transmits an alarm signal, which causes the Yellow “receive”
LED to light and the alarm to activate. The alarm signal is both an array of LED lights and audible
beeper acting simultaneously.
The Receiver Console activates the alarm when the alarm signal is received. The alarm remains
on for ten seconds or until the Cancel button is pressed. If the Sensor Probe remains activated
the alarm will continue for 60 seconds unless cancelled. While the alarm is active but has been
cancelled, the alarm can be reactivated by pressing the cancel button a second time. If ten
seconds pass without receiving an alarm signal and the alarm has been cancelled, the receiver
will automatically reset to normal mode and sound the alarm again should the sensor
subsequently transmit the alarm signal.
Kramble Industries Inc. is not responsible or liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection
with the use or performance of the product or other damage with respect to any economic loss, loss of property, loss of revenue
or profit, or costs of removal, installation, or reinstallation.
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Wireless Full Bin Alarm
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Low Battery LED
The green LED illuminates when the sensor sends a Low Battery signal, indicating that the Sensor
Probe battery needs to be replaced. Once activated, the green LED will remain on until the
receiver is powered off.
FBA Receiver Console Self-Test
To test the Receiver Console alarm light and siren, hold the cancel button for six seconds while
the Full Bin Alarm is powered on. Once tested, the alarm will shut off when the cancel button is
released.
The Receiver power may be turned off when not in use to prevent undesired operation.
Probe/Receiver Matching
The Receiver is matched to a Sensor Probe by “learning” the probe’s unique security code so that
the receiver will accept commands from that probe. A factory default system already has its
probe matched to the receiver.
To match a probe to a receiver, first turn the receiver power switch OFF. Hold the button marked
LEARN on the receiver and press the receiver power ON, then release the two buttons. The
Receive/LEARN light is then lit to indicate that the receiver is waiting for a signal from the
transmitter to be learned. Tilt the probe to send a signal and the receiver will read the probe’s
security code and store it in memory. The Receive/LEARN light will flash three times to indicate
that the transmitter has been successfully learned, and the Receive/LEARN light will turn off and
receiver will then enter normal operating mode. Up to eight probes can be learned by a receiver.
If eight unique probe have already been learned by a receiver and it is instructed to learn another
probe, the oldest-learned probe’s security code will be overwritten and forgotten. The buzzer
and light are disabled for ten seconds after learning a sensor probe’s security code in order to
prevent unwanted activation of the alarm.
To erase all stored security codes, turn the receiver power ON while holding the LEARN button,
and continue holding the button until the Receive/LEARN light begins to rapidly flash. Release
the button, and the light will flash more slowly for three seconds, then turn off to indicate that
the erase operation has succeeded. If the LEARN button is pressed while the Receive/LEARN light
is slowly flashing, the erase operation is aborted and the receiver retains the stored transmitter
security codes.
The Receiver is equipped with a two-position switch to enable or disable the learn and erase
functions. To enable or disable a function, open the case and locate the switch as illustrated
below. The switches and their positions are labeled on the circuit board. Factory default systems
are set by default so that the Learn function is Enabled and the Erase function is Disabled.
Kramble Industries Inc. is not responsible or liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection
with the use or performance of the product or other damage with respect to any economic loss, loss of property, loss of revenue
or profit, or costs of removal, installation, or reinstallation.
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Wireless Full Bin Alarm
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Figure 3 Learn/Erase Function
Sensor Probe
The Sensor Probe is powered by two AA-type batteries. If the battery voltage falls below 2.4
volts, the transmitter will transmit a Low Battery signal approximately once per hour, which will
illuminate the green LED on the receiver to indicate that the Sensor Probe battery needs
replacing. If the battery voltage falls below 2.0 volts, the sensor will be unable to transmit.
The Sensor Probe contains no external buttons or switches. When the Sensor Probe is vertical,
it is in very low-power sleep mode, waking every two seconds to check the tilt angle. A tilt angle
greater than 30° will cause the sensor to remain awake and begin alarm transmission if the angle
remains above the threshold for more than three seconds.
While active, the Sensor Probe sends the alarm signal periodically. This is indicated by a blink of
the yellow “receive” LED on the console. If the Sensor Probe remains tilted greater than the
threshold angle for more than one minute, transmission will cease and the Sensor Probe will
return to low-power sleep mode. Only when the Sensor Probe is returned to the vertical position,
will it resume normal operation.
Sensor Self-Test
To test the battery level and threshold angle of the sensor, access the circuit board by unscrewing
the top half and separating the two halves of the assembly. The circuit board and battery are
mounted on the black sensor mounting plate. With the battery attached, hold the WHITE test
button on the circuit board until the yellow LED lights up. If the yellow LED begins flashing, the
battery is low and needs to be replaced. If the yellow LED stays on, the battery is good and it is
always on while self-testing. To test the threshold angle the red LED will light up when the circuit
board is tilted beyond the threshold. To exit test mode, hold the button again until the yellow
LED remains off. The Full Bin Alarm Sensor Probe will not transmit a signal while in test mode.
Ensure that the LEDs are not lit before reassembling the sensor.
Up to eight Sensor Probes can communicate to the same Receiver Console as long as the Receiver
Console has “learned” the probes’ security codes.
Kramble Industries Inc. is not responsible or liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection
with the use or performance of the product or other damage with respect to any economic loss, loss of property, loss of revenue
or profit, or costs of removal, installation, or reinstallation.
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Wireless Full Bin Alarm
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Sensor Angle Setup
The FBA Sensor utilizes a 3-axis accelerometer to determine its angle with respect to the ground.
The trip angle of the sensor, at which it transmits the signal to activate the alarm light and horn,
is preset to 30° tilt at the time of manufacture. This angle is programmable, and while not
normally required, may be changed by the customer to optimize the sensor’s response in the
customer’s application.
There are two steps to set the threshold angle of the probe; first, set the 0° reference angle.
Second, set the desired threshold angle. Do following steps to complete the setup.
1. Open the Sensor case by unthreading the top from the bottom.
2. Slide the Angle Program Switch (shown below in its rightward position) to the leftward
position.
Self-Test Button
Yellow LED
Angle Setup Switch
Red LED
3. Find a flat surface (parallel to the ground) and then stand the probe straight up. This will
be the zero-angle reference.
4. Press and hold (do not release) the white self-test button until the yellow LED illuminates.
This stores the zero angle in the probe.
5. Tilt the sensor probe to the desired angle and, holding the probe steadily, release the
button. This sets the probe’s trip angle and you may slide the Angle Program Switch back
to the rightward position.
6. Test the sensor probe by tilting it back and forth to ensure proper operation. The red LED
should illuminate when the threshold angle of the probe is reached.
7. To exit the self-test mode, hold the white self-test button until both yellow and red LED
lights go out. Before the probe will transmit to the receiver, you must EXIT the self-test
mode.
8. To test the probe with the receiver, power ON the FBA standalone console, tilt the sensor
probe over the threshold angle. Within 3-4 seconds the audio and visual alarms should
activate.
Kramble Industries Inc. is not responsible or liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection
with the use or performance of the product or other damage with respect to any economic loss, loss of property, loss of revenue
or profit, or costs of removal, installation, or reinstallation.
Revision 2
Wireless Full Bin Alarm
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Limited Warranty
Customer satisfaction is a fundamental policy at Kramble Industries Inc. All customers can rely
upon and expect to receive prompt, efficient and courteous service on all Kramble Industries
Inc. manufactured equipment from each and every employee of the organization.
Kramble Industries Inc. with its office at 102-2750 Faithfull Avenue, Saskatoon, SK warrants:
To the Original Purchaser/User, each product manufactured by Kramble Industries Inc. to be
free from defective material and workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of
12 months subject to conditions outlined below. The obligation under this warranty is limited
to repair, or replacement with a similar genuine company part, for any part of the product of
the company’s manufacture that is found to be defective.
Warranty period begins the day of purchase. During the first (1st) through the twelfth (12th)
month, Kramble will furnish without charge, F.O.B. its plant, a similar genuine part to replace
any part of a product of the company’s manufacture which proves to be defective, in normal
use and service, during this time. Labor to install or repair such parts will be absorbed by
Kramble Industries Inc. If this work is to be done other than Kramble personnel, prior approval
must be given by Kramble Industries Inc. as to rate and time.
This warranty shall bind the company only as follows:
1. The warranty shall be limited to the repair or replacement of defective parts, all other
damage, loss, cost or obligation and claim whatsoever, statutory or otherwise, are
hereby waived by the original purchaser\user, and again, the warranty hereby given
covers only those labor charges specifically authorized by the company in advance.
2. The warranty shall not apply to any failure, or damage incurred through neglect, lack of
maintenance, misuse, abuse, accident, improper installation, re-designing of assemblies,
ignorance, or through any other cause beyond the control of the company.
3. The warranty does not cover products of other manufacturers beyond such warranty as
may be made by such manufacturer.
4. The warranty shall not apply to normal maintenance services, or to deterioration of
appearance of items due to normal use and exposure.
5. The warranty shall not apply when the original purchaser/user has allowed repair
and/or service work to be conducted on the product without authorization from the
company.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Before any warranty work is done, contact Kramble Industries Inc. for authorization. Failure to
do so may result in denial of warranty.
Kramble Industries Inc. is not responsible or liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection
with the use or performance of the product or other damage with respect to any economic loss, loss of property, loss of revenue
or profit, or costs of removal, installation, or reinstallation.